Three new special education classes have been allocated to schools in the north county this September, according to Alan Farrell, Fine Gael TD for Dublin Fingal.
“As part of a nationwide increase of 118 classes announced by the National Council of Special Education, additional special education classes will be provided for students in Bracken Educate Together in Balbriggan, Kilcoskan National School in The Ward and Donabate VEC Post Primary School.
“These classes will be attached to mainstream schools and are an option for students with significant needs that cannot be met in a mainstream class. These classes will have lower pupil-teacher ratios, ranging from one teacher to six pupils, to one teacher to eleven pupils.
“This allocation brings to 22 the number of special classes, primary and post primary, in Dublin Fingal, following an addition of four in 2012.
“Nationally, there are 740 special classes in mainstream schools, catering for 5,000 students. Including this year’s allocation, 242 classes have been added to the system during the lifetime of this government.
“I would like to commend the schools in Dublin Fingal for opening up their facilities for special education classes. It is reassuring for parents and children that they can have their needs met locally, without have to travel long distances every morning for school.
“A new booklet has been published by the NCSE to help parents of children with special needs choose a school for their son/daughter, available here http://www.ncse.ie/uploads/1/Choosing_School_11_08_13W_060913.pdf
ENDS